Scott Graham, executive director of the Michigan Brewers Guild, said this is the third year his organization has put on the festival at Fifth Third Ballpark, and "it feels like home."

"But it really is all about having these beers in one setting," he said. "And the breweries come to showcase special things."

Some 50 breweries featuring about 300 specialty and craft beers from around the state set up booths in the parking lot of Fifth Third Ballpark. Several tour buses arrived with groups. What was once considered a fad is now big business.

"It's for real," Graham said, "There has been a shift in consumer preference; people really want more interesting flavors."